Job Description

Practice

Abri Veterinary Hospital is a AAHA accredited practice that has served the Winston-Salem community for over 20 years.

Our team consists of a cohesive and tenured DVM team and support staff that includes several Certified Veterinary Technicians. Our hospital is well equipped with a comprehensive in-house laboratory, digital radiography, and ultrasound.

More about the Role

We are looking for a compassionate, experienced groomer to join our veterinary hospital team! The ideal candidate is patient, detail-oriented, dependable, and passionate about providing excellent care for both pets and their owners.

Reporting into the Practice Manager, the Groomer looks after the condition of the patient’s coat by providing services to keep the patient clean and well-cared for. Working with a variety of patients (breeds and sizes), the Groomer is responsible for patient bathing, fur and teeth brushing, nail trimming and grinding. The Groomer engages with clients to understand expectations, patient special needs, and desired outcomes. The Groomer is also responsible to ensure grooming rooms or designated space is clean, sanitized, safe, and secure.

Competencies

Personality & Team Fit:

• Patient and compassionate with animals
• Gentle handling skills and a low-stress approach to grooming
• Works well independently and as part of a team
• Reliable, punctual, and professional
• Organized and able to manage appointments and grooming schedules
• Positive attitude and willingness to help wherever needed
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced veterinary environment

Client Communication:

• Excellent customer service skills
• Good listener who can understand client requests and expectations
• Able to educate clients on coat care, maintenance, and grooming recommendations
• Communicates clearly and professionally with pet owners and hospital staff
• Builds trust and strong relationships with clients and their pets

Essential Responsibilities

• Admits patients noting the client’s specific instructions to ensure a quality outcome including contact information and pick up time.
• Determines any veterinary services required during the client’s visit. In accordance with hospital operating instructions, determines care required in agreement with the individual needs and circumstances of the patients.
• Observes patient appearance and activity for general physical condition, obvious signs of illness, disease and discontent. Parts patient’s hair to check for ticks, fleas, red, sore or inflamed areas and any lumps. Reports signs of illness, disease, injury or unusual activity to veterinary technicians or veterinarians.
• Appropriately handles patients and as needed, properly restrains hard-to-control patients.
• Performs bathing services, including shampooing and drying.
• Performs grooming services, including brushing, clipping, hand scissoring, trimming and shaping the patient’s coat. Appropriately shapes hair using knowledge of patient characteristic, grooming techniques, styles, and client’s instructions.
• Stays current and up to date on new techniques and trends that client are looking for as related to provided services.
• Provides medication (when instructed) and general cleansing, parasite control baths, pedicures, medicated dips (when instructed) and ear cleansing, as required for each patient.
• Applies technical knowledge of products and medications sold, including dietary products. Explains and educates clients on products and answers questions regarding product purchase/use.
• Performs work according to established methods specified in practice procedure manual or following special instructions.
• Performs all general maintenance of grooming room and yard; cleans and disinfects cages, tubs, grooming tables, and yard at least once daily. Vacuums and mops floor; empties trash; cleans clipper blades, scissors and brushes after use; performs monthly dryer and clipper maintenance.
• Delivers final groomed patient to client and ensures satisfaction. Appropriately addresses concerns.
• Where applicable, trains, supervises, and assists the Grooming Assistant in their performance of a variety of service functions. Sets performance standards and monitor performance. Conducts timely performance evaluations.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements/Qualifications

Qualifications & Experience:

• Minimum of 2+ years grooming experience preferred
• Experience grooming both dogs and cats
• Comfortable handling pets of all temperaments, sizes, and breeds
• Experience working with senior pets, anxious pets, and pets with special needs
• Comfortable grooming pets who may require sedation under veterinary supervision
• Knowledge of breed-specific cuts, coat types, brushing techniques, and proper grooming standards
• Ability to recognize skin, coat, ear, or health concerns and communicate concerns to the veterinary team

Grooming Skills & Equipment:

• Must have own professional grooming tools, including:
  • Clippers
  • Blades
  • Scissors/shears
  • Brushes/combs
  • Nail tools
  • Other personal grooming equipment needed to perform services
• Some grooming equipment is provided by the hospital
• Ability to maintain clean, organized, and safe grooming equipment
• Knowledge of proper sanitation and infection control practices

Additional Preferred Skills:

• Experience in a veterinary grooming environment is a plus
• Comfortable working alongside veterinarians and veterinary staff
• Ability to safely restrain and handle pets during grooming procedures
• Willingness to continue learning and improving grooming techniques

Benefits Offered

• Full-time or part-time scheduling options
• Opportunity to earn commission
• Supportive veterinary hospital environment
• Access to veterinary knowledge and medical support
• Opportunity to care for a variety of pets with different needs

Benefits offered may vary depending on full or part time employment status according to company policy.

Pay Range

USD $16.00 - USD $18.00 /Hr.